president obama laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown at arlington national cemetery. the president said veterans day is special and significant. >> each year on the 11th day of the 11th month we pause as a nation and as a people. it is to pay tribute to you, to thank you. to honor you. >> reporter: the president and the first lady then walked to section 60 of the cemetery and greeted visitors. section 60 is dedicated to those who have lost their lives since 2001 in the global war on terror. at golden gate ceremony they attended a remembrance ceremony. one man said events like this are necessary to remind people of the sacrifice so many have made. >> freedom isn't free. the men and women have fought for us and died for us. they want everybody to remember that. like i said earlier people take it for granted. nothing is for granted. >> reporter: in san francisco, color guards, marching bands made their way down to the civic center. this was the 93rd veterans day parade. >> the first veterans day was celebrated in 1919 to commemorate the end of world war i. many events we